Tips / TIPS

Do your boxing gloves smell? Are they often damp after training and you don't know how to wash them? It's normal: after sport, perspiration tends to accumulate on them. Since it's difficult to ventilate them, this creates an environment conducive to the development of bacteria and unpleasant odors.

So that you don't have to throw them away or buy new ones, in this article we share with you all our tips for cleaning boxing gloves. Here are some simple, clever solutions to help you keep them clean and dry for longer.

Why wash your boxing gloves regularly?

Along with the punching bag, boxing gloves are an integral part of the boxer's outfit. It's an accessory that's put to the test during lessons and competitions. Like sportswear, they are particularly exposed to perspiration and need to be washed regularly. However, unlike T-shirts, shorts or jogging suits, we tend to clean them less often. The reason: their shape makes them particularly difficult to care for. But it's precisely the fact that they create an enclosed, poorly ventilated space that encourages the development of germs, mold and mildew, and therefore unpleasant odors.

So, to make them smell good and last longer, you need to clean your boxing gloves properly. They'll be cleaner, more comfortable and you'll reduce the risk of irritation and skin problems.

Even so, the inside of boxing gloves isn't the only part to consider: the outside of the gloves also needs special care. They are often made of leather, and therefore have specific maintenance requirements.

Clean your boxing gloves in just 3 steps

Boxing gloves are quite complex to clean, as they have different surfaces. There's a rather delicate leather exterior and a difficult-to-reach interior. So, to keep your gloves looking impeccable, you can proceed in three stages: drying, washing inside and then outside, here's how.

1. Air out your boxing gloves to let them dry out as much as possible

As a boxer, the first thing you're going to have to deal with is moisture in your boxing gloves. When you practice your favorite sport, you sweat, even on your hands. They're enclosed, so they easily become clammy and tend to macerate for an hour or more, depending on the length of the session.

The first thing to do is to let your boxing gloves air-dry after every workout. The worst thing you can do is leave them in your closed sports bag, among your boxing gear. So open the straps and let them air-dry for as long as you need, if possible until the next time you use them.

Then, after a big session, if the gloves are really soaked, you'll need to dry them as much as possible. To do this, first takea cloth, wrap it around your hand and run it inside to blot the edges.

If they're really soaked, you can leave an absorbent microfiber cloth or paper towel inside to soak up the moisture. If necessary, you can even use a hairdryer, but only on cold air and with moderate power.

Meticulous drying will limit the appearance of unpleasant odors, extend the life of your gloves and make them more pleasant to wear.

2. Clean the inside of your boxing gloves to eliminate moisture and odours

Even if you dry your boxing gloves well, it's still necessary to clean the inside to remove the perspiration, odors and dirt you deposit on them with your hands.

The easiest way to do this is to take a spray bottle and apply a cleaning solution to the inside of the glove, which will help you reach the bottom. You can then rub with a cloth to remove any product residues. All that's left to do is let them dry.

You can also use a solution based on water and white vinegar, with a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. It's a natural, healthy alternative for sanitizing and removing odors while respecting your skin. Alternatively, you can use a mild detergent to avoid damaging your gloves and hands.

Alternatively, to effectively combat odours and dampness, baking sod a is the solution of choice. You can sprinkle it directly onto the inside of gloves, let it stand for a few hours in the open air, then remove it either with a cloth or a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you remove all residues, otherwise you run the risk of irritation.

3. Care for the outside of your boxing gloves to make them as good as new

The final step is to clean the outside of the boxing gloves. Since it is often made of leather, care must be taken to avoid damaging it.

Cleaning is simple: for a quick wash, a little water is all you need. There's no need to scrub; on the contrary, it's best to use a soft cloth with a small amount of liquid. For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend using a special leather cleaner, then simply leaving to dry.

If your gloves are in poor condition, or if you really want them to look like new, you can use a conditioner. Often found in the form of a revitalizing cream, this product is applied to the leather to nourish it deeply. It will protect, shine and regenerate your gloves. As a result, you'll be able to keep your gloves longer and reduce the risk of cracking.

Cleaning boxing gloves - Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my boxing gloves?

Boxing gloves should be left to dry after each use. When it comes to cleaning, however, there's no rule - it all depends on how you use them. Some will need to clean them every week, while others may do without them for several months. In any case, the smell that emanates from them should alert you.

Can I machine-wash my boxing gloves?

No, we strongly advise you not to put your boxing gloves in the washing machine or clean them with an extractor injector, such as the famous Bissel Spotclean Pro. Not only does this risk damaging them, but they will also be so soaked with water that they will have difficulty drying, which can lead to mildew.

Is wearing boxing straps a good solution?

Yes, boxing strips are a great way to protect your hands, but also the inside of your gloves. They absorb part of the perspiration and therefore limit humidity. What's more, they're much easier to clean.

Should boxing gloves be left to dry in the sun?

Some people recommend leaving gloves out in the sun to dry, as this is a good way of getting them dry faster. But in reality, heat and sun don 't mix well with leather, so they risk deteriorating faster if you do this too often.

Do boxing glove deodorizers work?

Odor eliminators are available in the form of deodorizing sprays or glove sachets . They have the advantage of being inexpensive, but depending on the product, they are not always effective. They may limit odors, but they don't wash them away thoroughly, although they can be useful as a preventive measure. If you'd like to try out the anti-odour bag technique at home, you can create your own with a piece of cloth containing baking soda and a few drops of essential oil.